Nearly half the adults in the United States take prescription medication; one in five of them also take herbal supplements. According to pharmacologist Joe Graedon and medical anthropologist Teresa Graedon—also the authors of The People's Pharmacy and Deadly Drug Interactions—this means that 15 million people are at risk for an adverse reaction. This substantive pharmacy guide provides an A-to-Z handbook of common ailments and symptoms; describes safe, effective home and herbal remedies, vitamins, and dietary supplements; profiles the 50 most popular herbs in the United States, Europe, and Australia; and details active ingredients, proper dosages, and precautions and interactions.

"The Graedons, both respected authors and speakers, offer advice on the safe use of home and herbal remedies.... By combining herbal and folk remedies, clearly highlighting dangerous herb-drug interactions, and summarizing consumer issues, the Graedons have created a consumer resource that is entertaining (favorite home remedies include coconut macaroons for diarrhea) and easy-to-use."—Library Journal

"Included here are gin-soaked raisins for arthritis (take nine per day), and Archway Coconut Macaroon cookies for treatment of diarrhea (a remedy first suggested by a Crohn's-disease sufferer), as well as the more familiar ginger tea for colds and coffee for asthma attacks. The Graedons warn early and often of the possible dangers inherent in herb use, particularly in combination with prescription drugs. Some of the most dangerous herb-drug interactions they document: licorice and Lanoxin (the potassium- depleting properties of licorice can cause heart arhythmias); kava-kava and Xanax (both are sedating; together, they are dangerously so); and ginkgo and Coumadin (increased risk of hemorrhage)."—Kirkus Reviews